The Duke Energy Foundation announced on Apr. 14 a $600,000 investment to strengthen North Carolina’s energy workforce, including $500,000 for 20 community colleges and $100,000 for two regional partners expanding access to high-demand training programs aligned with the energy sector.
Community colleges and regional workforce partners play a key role in connecting local talent with the growing needs of the energy industry. The funding aims to support hands-on training, equipment purchases, scholarships, and curriculum enhancements for programs connected to the energy ecosystem such as electrical systems, linework, welding, HVAC, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Each of the selected schools will receive $25,000. In addition to this support for community colleges, the Duke Energy Foundation is providing $50,000 each to The Forward Fund (TFF) and AdvanceNC. TFF will use its grant to expand its zero-interest loan program covering essential life expenses like transportation and childcare for students in skilled trades. This year’s funding will help pilot support for pipefitting programs at Alamance Community College and Piedmont Community College. AdvanceNC will use its investment to fund a full-time position that strengthens connections between education providers and advanced manufacturing employers.
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president said: “Investing in North Carolina’s community colleges is critical as our industry and state meet this incredible growth moment. These programs are proven launchpads into meaningful, in‑demand careers – helping build the workforce that will power what’s next and support the infrastructure our customers rely on every day.”
Dr. Kevin Lee of Piedmont Community College said: “We are grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this investment in Piedmont Community College and the communities we serve. This grant will allow us to launch a short-term pipefitting program that will quickly prepare students for high-demand careers while directly supporting the workforce needs of our region. It’s a powerful example of how partnerships can create immediate opportunity and long-term economic impact.” Vanessa Shelton Sotlen from Central Piedmont Community College added: “We are deeply grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this investment and long-term partnership that allows Central Piedmont to expand hands-on training in our lineworker program. This funding allows us to add critical industry-specific equipment which will reduce downtime improve safety and ensure our graduates are ready to meet CDL requirements and succeed in the utility workforce.”
Duke Energy has proposed nearly $10 billion in grid investments between 2027-2028 aimed at upgrading poles wires adding smart technology improving reliability with more infrastructure improvements planned over coming years.
